Two simple words: THANK YOU

Thank you — two simple words. But when said to the nation's veterans, they convey not only appreciation, but sacrifice, honor and freedom.

by Beverly Majors

Thank you — two simple words.

But when said to the nation's veterans, they convey not only appreciation, but sacrifice, honor and freedom.

Thank you for your service, Veterans. Those simple words were said several times at last week's Veterans Day observance at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory's Visitors Center. And another word was also used to describe veterans — heroes.

Brent K. Park, with the Global Security Directorate at ORNL, said this year's observation was "a serious event." When he recognized the veterans in attendance, about 75 percent of the room stood up.

And then they stood again when the Oak Ridge High School band played the musical salute of each branch of U.S. Service — the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard.

"Freedom's not automatic," assured guest speaker retired Major Gen. Richard E. Webber. "They fight and die … many times paid for by blood."

Webber was the first commander, 24th Air Force, and commander Air Force Network Operations at Lackland Air Force base in Texas. He was responsible for the Air Force's newest numbered air force providing combatant commanders with trained and ready "cyber forces," which plan and conduct cyberspace operations.

Later he was a command cyber, space and missile operator with qualifications in the Minuteman II, Minuteman III, Global Positioning Satellite and Counter Communications System weapon system.

He also served as assistant deputy chief for Air, Space and Information Operations at Air Force headquarters in Washington, D.C.

Webber retired after 36 years and joined ORNL as the director of Cyber Programs Integration in the Global Security Directorate.

"The current generation is every bit as courageous as those who went before them," he said.

Webber quoted the U.S. Constitution's oath administered to uniformed officers: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; that I take this obligation freely, without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion; and that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter. So help me God."

Webber also talked about the Henri-Cappelle American Cemetery and Memorial in Belgium, which is the resting place of nearly 8,000 Americans who died in World War II, including about 500 "unknowns." The cemetery is located near the Battle of the Bulge.

The retired general also talked about a veterans parade in Colorado during Operation Iraqi Freedom. "The people on the sides of the streets came into our formation," Webb said. "They walked along with us. They looked at our name tags, called us by name and said, 'Thank you.'"

He said the Vietnam vets weren't received like that when they came home, but in that Colorado parade "they were leading the charge."

He said he appreciates all the projects to help veterans, but stated the most important thing to do is "just make a phone call to someone who has served and say thank you for your service."